Chinese expert surgical procedure consensus on open pericardial devascularization(2021) / 中华外科杂志

Although the treatment strategy of esophageal and gastric varices bleeding in portal hypertension has been diversified and multidisciplinary now,the surgical treatment represented by pericardial devascularization operation will still play an important and irreplaceable role in China. In order to standardize the surgical procedure,guide clinical practice and improve the level of surgical treatment of portal hypertension,Chinese Society of Spleen and Portal Hypertension Surgery,Chinese Surgical Society,Chinese Medical Association organized Chinese experts to formulate this consensus. The main contents include:the position of surgical treatment,surgical indications and contraindications,preoperative evaluation,key points and precautions of surgical procedure,perioperative treatment,prevention and treatment of postoperative complications. The consensus emphasizes the standardization of surgical treatment of portal hypertension,pay attention to the prevention and treatment of postoperative portal vein thrombosis,and expect to provide surgeons with clinical guidance.

Subphrenic splenic implantation after splenectomy： A case report / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Subphrenic splenic implantation is a rare disease, usually occurred followed the splenic trauma and splenectomy. Surgeries are often necessary for diagnosing and treating it. A 46-year-old male post-splenectomy patient, tolerating abdominal bloating and pain for more than 1 year, was admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Fundus bulge suggested a possibility of stromal tumors originating from the muscularispropria layer with endoscopic ultrasound. Slightly stomachic thickness was detected using enhanced computed tomography (CT). Without any improvement for symptoms after medication, the patient strongly requested to undergo an endoscopic therapy. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) result confirmed it as subphrenic splenic implantation with postoperative pathology. In this case, NOTES helped us to confirm the diagnosis, relieve the symptoms, as well as prevent secondary surgery injury, which would be helpful to other clinicians.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: a new approach

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a new laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) approach. METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent LS with general anaesthesia and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. The details of the surgery are as follows: 1. The omentum was incised along the greater curvature and retracted as much as possible to expose the pancreatic body and tail. 2. The right arteriovenous root in the gastric omentum was ligated to sufficiently expose the pancreatic body and tail. 3. The pancreatic capsula was opened along the inferior margin of the pancreatic tail, elevated and separated until the superior margin of the pancreas was grasped. The entire splenic pedicle was retracted using a string. The branching blood vessels in the splenic hilus were ligated using clamps and separated. The splenogastric and splenophrenic ligaments were transected proximally using an ultrasonic knife, and the thick short gastric blood vessels were clamped. This procedure allows complete exposure of the area above the pancreatic tail where the splenic hilus is located. The splenoportal vasculature was suspended using a 7-0 silk suture to easily manipulate this tissue. The splenic portal vessels were dissected using an ultrasonic knife, and the portal vessels were isolated individually using vascular clamps and transected. The splenogastric and lienorenal ligaments were also transected. The spleen was then placed into a bag, and the surgical port was slightly enlarged. Finally, the spleen was sectioned for removal. RESULTS: Fifteen surgeries were successfully performed from March 2015 to January 2016. One patient underwent laparotomy. No patients developed postoperative intra-abdominal haemorrhage or infection. One patient developed subcutaneous emphysema, and one developed a wound infection. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Active exposure of the area dorsal to the pancreatic tail is a safe and simple splenectomy method.

Should splenic autotransplantation be considered after total splenectomy due to trauma? / Autoimplante esplênico deve ser considerado para pacientes submetidos à esplenectomia total por trauma?

ABSTRACT Trauma is a public health problem and the most common cause of death in people under the age of 45. In blunt abdominal trauma, the spleen is the most commonly injured organ. Splenectomy remains the most common treatment, especially in high-grade lesions, despite increased nonoperative treatment. Removal of the spleen leads to increased susceptibility to infections due to its role in the immune function. Postsplenectomy sepsis is an important complication and presents a high mortality rate. Patients undergoing splenectomy should be immunized for encapsulated germs, as these are the agents most commonly associated with such infections. Splenic autotransplantation is a simple procedure, which can be an alternative to reduce infection rates consequent to total splenectomy, and reduce costs related to hospitalizations. This review aims to provide evidence-based information on splenic autotransplantation and its impact on the prognosis of patients undergoing total splenectomy. We searched the Cochrane Library, Medline/PubMed, SciELO and Embase, from January 2017 to January 2018 and selected articles in English and Portuguese, dated from 1919 to 2017. We found that the adjusted risk of death in splenectomized patients is greater than that of the general population, and when total splenectomy is performed, splenic autotransplantation is the only method capable of preserving splenic function, avoiding infections, especially postsplenectomy sepsis. Health professionals should be familiar with the consequences of the method chosen to manage the patient suffering from splenic trauma.

RESUMO O trauma é um problema de saúde pública e a causa mais comum de óbito em pessoas com menos de 45 anos de idade. Nos traumas abdominais contusos, o baço é o órgão mais comumente lesado. A esplenectomia continua sendo o tratamento mais comum, especialmente em lesões de alto grau, apesar do aumento do tratamento não operatório. A remoção do baço gera aumento da suscetibilidade a infecções, devido ao seu papel na função imune. Sepse pós-esplenectomia é uma importante complicação e apresenta alta taxa de mortalidade. Pacientes submetidos à esplenectomia devem receber imunização para germes encapsulados, por serem os agentes mais comumente relacionados a essas infecções. Autoimplante esplênico é um procedimento simples, que pode ser alternativa para reduzir índices de infecção consequentes à esplenectomia total, e que pode reduzir custos relacionados à internações. Este trabalho de revisão objetiva prover informações baseadas em evidências sobre o autoimplante esplênico e seu impacto no prognóstico de pacientes submetidos à esplenectomia total. Foram realizadas buscas na Cochrane Library, Medline/PubMed, SciELO e Embase, de janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2018 e selecionados artigos em inglês e português, datados de 1919 a 2017. Verificou-se que o risco ajustado de morte em pacientes esplenectomizados é maior do que o da população geral, e quando a esplenectomia total é realizada, o autoimplante esplênico é o único método capaz de preservar a função esplênica, evitando infecções, principalmente sepse pós-esplenectomia. Profissionais de saúde devem estar familiarizados com as consequências do método escolhido para manejar o paciente vítima de trauma esplênico.

Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy for the management of splenic hilum metastasis in cytoreductive surgery of epithelial ovarian cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy may be required for optimal cytoreductive surgery in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasized to splenic hilum. This study evaluates the morbidity and treatment outcomes of the uncommon procedure in the management of advanced or recurrent EOC. METHODS: This study recruited 18 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery of EOC. Their clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All tumors were confirmed as high-grade serous carcinomas. The median diameter of metastatic tumors located in splenic hilum was 3.5 cm (range, 1 to 10 cm). Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in all patients. Eight patients (44.4%) suffered from postoperative complications. The morbidity associated with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy included pancreatic leakage (22.2%), encapsulated effusion in the left upper quadrant (11.1%), intra-abdominal infection (11.1%), pleural effusion with or without pulmonary atelectasis (11.1%), intestinal obstruction (5.6%), pneumonia (5.6%), postoperative hemorrhage (5.6%), and pancreatic pseudocyst (5.6%). There was no perioperative mortality. The majority of complications were treated successfully with conservative management. During the median follow-up duration of 25 months, nine patients experienced recurrence, and three patients died of the disease. The 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 40.2% and 84.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy as part of cytoreduction for the management of ovarian cancer was associated with high morbidity; however, the majority of complications could be managed with conservative therapy.

Effect of total splenectomy in the lipid profile in mice

PURPOSE: To analyze total splenectomy effect on the lipid profile - total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) and triglycerides levels, in Balb/c mice. METHODS: Thirty Balb/c male mice, one (1) month old and average weight 26.2g ± 4.0 were used in the experiment. They were distributed into three groups of 10 animals each: a control group (non-operated), a simulation group (spleen manipulation) and the splenectomy group. The animals were subjected to blood sampling to measure plasma lipid levels, at three different times: before surgery, days 30 and 75 of the experiment. RESULTS: Increased total cholesterol and LDL were observed in the control group from the start to end of the experiment. The simulation group showed increased rates of VLDL and triglycerides at the 30th and 75th days. Splenectomized animals showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: Total splenectomy did not induce increased plasma lipids levels of in Balb/c mice. .

Sepsis posesplenectomía: síndrome deAustrian como forma de presentación / Post-splenectomy sepsis: Austrian syndrome as an onset

Los pacientes esplenectomizados poseen un riesgo aumentado de sufrir infecciones invasivas por microorganismos encapsulados comoStreptococcus pneumoniae. La asociación de neumonía, meningitis y endocarditis causada por Streptococcus pneumoniae constituye un cuadro muy poco frecuente en la actualidad conocido como síndrome de Austrian.Ambas representan entidades extremadamente graves y con elevada mortalidad. El diagnóstico precoz y comienzo inmediato del tratamiento intensivo y multidisciplinario son factores claves para el pronóstico de los pacientes. Presentamos un caso de enfermedad neumocóccica invasiva en un pacienteesplenectomizado, discutiendo algunos de los aspectos más importantes para la prevención y el tratamiento de estoscuadros.

Patients who underwent splenectomy have an increased risk of suffering invasive infections due to capsular microorganisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. The combination of pneumonia, meningitis and endocarditis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae constitute an unusual clinical condition currently known as Austrian syndrome. Both con di tions are ex tre mely serious and account for high mortality rates. Early diagnosis and immediate initiation of intensive and multidisciplinary treatment are key elements for the patientsÆ prognosis.The study presents a case of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in a patient with splenectomy, discussing the most important aspects in terms of prevention and treatment of this clinical conditions.

Os pacientes esplenectomizados apresentam um risco maior de sofrer infecciones invasivas por microrganismos encapsulados comoStreptococcus pneumoniae. A associaçao de pneumonia, meningite e endocardite causa da por Streptococcus pneumoniae constitue um quadro pouco frequente conhecido atualmente como síndrome de Aus trian. Ambas representam entidades extremadamente graves e com elevada mortalidade. Odiagnóstico precoce e o começo imediato do tratamento intensivo e multiprofissional sao fatores fundamentais para o prognóstico dos pacientes. Apresentamos um caso de doença pneumocócica invasiva em um paciente esplenectomizado, discutindo alguns dos aspectos mais importantes para a prevenção e o tratamento destesquadros.

Esplenectomia e ligadura da veia gástrica esquerda na esquistossomose mansônica: efeitos sobre pressão das varizes do esôfago e indicadores endoscópicos de risco de sangramento por varizes esofagogástricas / Splenectomy and gastric vein ligature in hepatosplenic schistosomiais: effects upon esophageal variceal pressure and endoscopic risk factors of esophageal variceal bleeding

RACIONAL: Expressivo contingente de pacientes esquistossomóticos com a forma hepatoesplênica e hipertensão portal apresentam hemorragia causada pela ruptura de varizes esofagogástricas, principal causa de alta morbidade e mortalidade da doença. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da esplenectomia e ligadura da veia gástrica esquerda sobre fatores de risco de sangramento por varizes esofagogástricas em portadores de esquistossomose mansônica, forma hepatoesplênica, com antecedente de hemorragia digestiva alta. MÉTODO: Estudaram-se, de forma prospectiva, 34 pacientes, com idade entre 1 e 74 anos (média 44,14), sendo 18 (53%) mulheres. Analisaram-se: 1) pressão das varizes do esôfago, aferida pela técnica endoscópica do balão pneumático; 2) tamanho, local, cor e sinais de cor vermelha nas varizes do esôfago; 3) varizes gástricas e gastropatia da hipertensão portal. Realizaram-se avaliações no pré-operatório, no pós-operatório imediato e no sexto mês após a ligadura da veia gástrica esquerda. RESULTADOS: A pressão das varizes do esôfago diminuiu de 22,3+/-2,6 mmHg, antes da operação, para 16,0+/-3,0 mmHg no pós-operatório imediato (p<0,001), caindo para 13,3+/-2,6 mmHg no pós-operatório do sexto mês (p<0,001). A proporção de varizes de grosso calibre, varizes no esôfago superior, varizes de cor azul, varizes com sinais de cor vermelha e de gastropatia da hipertensão portal decresceu de forma significante apenas no sexto mês de pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: A ligadura da veia gástrica esquerda, em esquistossomóticos hepatoesplênicos, com antecedente de hemorragia digestiva alta, revelou-se eficaz em diminuir alguns dos principais fatores de risco de hemorragia por varizes esofagogástricas, indicando boa perspectiva no controle definitivo do sangramento.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients with schistosomiasis develop the hepatosplenic form, with portal hypertension, in which bleeding caused by rupture of esophagogastric varices emerged as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. AIM: To investigate the effects of splenectomy and ligature of the left gastric vein on risk factors for bleeding of esophagogastric varices in patients with schistosomiasis mansoni, hepatosplenic form, with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: The main risk factors of bleeding from esophagogastric varices were studied in 34 patients. The following parameters were investigated: 1) esophageal variceal pressure, measured by the endoscopic pneumatic balloon technique; 2) size, fundamental color, extension and red signs of esophageal varices, gastric varices and gastropathy of portal hypertension. The evaluations were performed in the preoperative period, immediate postoperative period (between the sixth and eighth postoperative days) and the sixth month of follow-up. RESULTS: The variceal pressure has fallen from 22.3+/-2.6 mmHg before surgery to 16.0+/-3.0 mmHg in the immediate postoperative period (p<0.001), reaching 13.3+/- 2.6 mmHg in the sixth month of follow-up. A significant reduction of the frequency of the parameters associated with a greater risk of hemorrhage was observed between the preoperative period and six-month follow-up, when the proportion of large esophageal varices (p<0.05), varices extending to the upper esophagus (p<0.05), bluish varices (p<0.01), varices with red signs (p<0.01) and gastropathy (p<0.05) decreased. CONCLUSION: In patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis with a previous history of variceal hemorrhage, splenectomy and gastric vein ligation was effective in reducing the main hemorrhagic risk factors until the sixth month of follow-up, indicating a good way to control the bleeding episodes.

Long-term following-up of viability of spleen autotransplants in the Beagle canine model / Avaliação em longo prazo da viabilidade do autotransplante de baço em cães Beagle

PURPOSE: To examine the possible late complications of splenectomy or spleen autotransplantation in large laboratory animal model, in which we need non-invasive or minimal-invasive methods for long-term monitoring of the experimental animals. METHODS: Experimental groups of beagle dogs were: non-operated control, sham-operated control, splenectomy, spleen autotransplantation with 5 or 10 spleen-chips taken into the greater omentum (Furka's technique). Prior to operations, on the 1st postoperative week, monthly till the 6th as well as in the 9th and 12th month, hemorheological examinations were performed. In postoperative 12th month colloid scintigraphy and diagnostic laparoscopy were carried out. At the end of the investigation comparative morphological examinations were performed, too. RESULTS: From the 4th-5th postoperative month filtration function of spleen-autotransplants showed particular restoration compared to splenectomy group. However, the functional results did not reach the values of the control or sham-operated groups. Sham-operated control's scintigraphy nicely showed activity in the spleen. In spleen autotransplantation-groups scintigraphy indicated well the activity of spleen-chips. During diagnostic laparoscopy spleen-chips with their blood supply were found. Histologically, the structure of spleen­autotransplants was similar to normal splenic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The autotransplants are regenerated, their functions have been partly restored, and thus spleen autotransplantation may prevent the possible complications of splenectomy. These parameters and the presented investigative protocol are suitable for long-term following-up of viability of the spleen-autotransplants.

OBJETIVO: Examinar as possíveis complicações tardias da esplenectomia ou do autotransplante de baço em modelo animal de grande porte, no qual faz-se necessário o uso de métodos não invasivos ou minimamente invasivos para monitorizar os animais de experimentação. MÉTODOS: Grupos experimentais de cães beagle foram: não-operados controle, sham-operados controle, esplenectomia, autotransplante de baço com 5 ou 10 fatias de baço colocados no grande omento (técnica de Furka). Antes das operações, na 1ª semana de pós­operatório, mensalmente até 6o.assim como no 9º. e 12º. mês, foram realizados exames hemorreológicos. No 12º. mês de pós-operatório, cintilografia colóide e laparoscopia diagnóstica foram realizadas. Ao final do experimento, exames morfológicos comparativos foram realizados também. RESULTADOS: A partir do 4º-5º mês pós-operatório, a função de filtração dos baços autotransplantados mostraram particular restauração comparados ao grupo esplenectomia. Entretanto, os resultados funcionais não alcançaram os valores dos grupos controle ou sham-operados. A cintilografia dos controles sham-operados mostraram atividade no baço. Nos grupos de autotransplante, a cintilografia indicou bem a atividade das fatias de baço. Durante a laparoscopia diagnóstica, as fatias de baço com seu suprimento sanguíneo foram encontrados. Histologicamente, a estrutura dos autotransplantes de baço foi similar ao tecido normal de baço. CONCLUSÕES: Os autotransplantes são regenerados, suas funções foram parcialmente restauradas, e então ao autotransplantate esplênico pode prevenir as possíveis complicações da esplenectomia. Estes parâmetros e o protocolo experimental são adequados para o seguimento em longo prazo da viabilidade de autotransplantes esplênicos.

Hb E/beta-thalassaemia: a common & clinically diverse disorder.

Haemoglobin E-beta thalassaemia (Hb E/β-thalassaemia) is the genotype responsible for approximately one-half of all severe beta-thalassaemia worldwide. The disorder is characterized by marked clinical variability, ranging from a mild and asymptomatic anaemia to a life-threatening disorder requiring transfusions from infancy. The phenotypic variability of Hb E/β-thalassaemia and the paucity of long-term clinical data, present challenges in providing definitive recommendations for the optimal management of patients. Genetic factors influencing the severity of this disorder include the type of beta-thalassaemia mutation, the co-inheritance of alpha-thalassaemia, and polymorphisms associated with increased production of foetal haemoglobin. Other factors, including a variable increase in serum erythropoietin in response to anaemia, previous or ongoing infection with malaria, previous splenectomy and other environmental influences, may be involved. The remarkable variation, and the instability, of the clinical phenotype of Hb E beta-thalassaemia suggests that careful tailoring of treatment is required for each patient, and that therapeutic approaches should be re-assessed over-time.

Subtotal laparoscopic splenectomy in rats with preservation of the inferior pole / Esplenectomia subtotal laparoscópica com preservação do polo inferior em ratos

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of subtotal splenectomy by laparoscopy with inferior pole preservation and to determine the viability of the splenic remnant. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 365 g and 474 g (mean 417.92 ± 36.15g SD) were operated and randomly assigned to two groups : Group 1 rats were killed on postoperative day 10 (n = 10), and Group 2 on the postoperative day 80 (n = 10). Both the inferior splenic pole and the superior part of the spleen, which was used as a control to measure inferior pole viability, were weighed and morphologically examined. Results: The technique was feasible in all cases. There were two postoperative deaths on immediate postoperative and one not well defined. The average weight percentage of the inferior pole, measured indirectly on the 10th day, was 53.67 percent ± 11.59 percent and on the 80th day was 62.69 percent ± 6.89 percent. The inferior pole was necrotic, with abscess formation in one case (5.9 percent) and appeared normal in all other cases. Microscopy showed features that were compatible with normality. Conclusions: Subtotal splenectomy with preservation of the inferior pole by laparoscopy was feasible and safety. The lower splenic pole was viable in 94.1 percent of animals.

Objetivo: Avaliar a exequibilidade e a segurança da esplenectomia subtotal com preservação do polo inferior do baço por videolaparoscopia, e a viabilidade do referido polo. Métodos: 20 ratos Wistar, machos, pesando entre 365g e 474g (MA 417,92 ± 36,15g) foram operados e distribuídos em dois grupos de acordo com a época da retirada do polo inferior para estudo: grupo 1 do 10º dia, (n= 10), grupo 2, do 80º dia (n=10). A porção superior do baço que serviu de controle da viabilidade do pólo inferior e esse remanescente, retirados no término do experimento, foram medidos, pesados e enviados para exame morfológico. Resultados: A técnica foi exeqüível em todos os casos. O peso médio percentual do polo inferior avaliado de forma indireta no 10º dia foi 53,67 por cento ± 11,59 por cento, e no 80º dia 62,69 por cento ± 6,89 por cento. Houve dois óbitos após a cirurgia, provavelmente por mal condução da anestesia e/ou do pneumoperitônio, e um tardiamente por causa desconhecida. O exame macro e microscópico do polo inferior nos 17 animais sobreviventes e no que faleceu tardiamente mostrou necrose em um caso (5,9 por cento). Conclusões: A esplenectomia subtotal com preservação do pólo inferior por videolaparoscopia em ratos foi exequível e segura. O polo inferior do baço mostrou-se viável em 94,1 por cento dos animais.

Hereditary Spherocytosis Coexisting with UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Deficiency Highly Suggestive of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type II

Patients with co-existing hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) deficiency as Gilbert's syndrome (GS) have been reported, and previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk for developing gallstones in patients with co-inheritance of GS and HS. We experienced an interesting case of HS showing persistent jaundice after splenectomy, and upon further evaluation, the 25-year-old female patient was found to have HS combined with UGT1A1 deficiency. Sequence analysis of the UGT1A1 gene revealed that she was a compound heterozygote with p.[G71R; Y486D] + [Y486D] mutations, which suggests Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II rather than GS. Careful evaluation of inappropriately elevated bilirubin level compared with the degree of hemolysis is important, reflecting the therapeutic implication of splenectomy and cholecystectomy.

Systemic thromboembolic complications after laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in comparison to open surgery in the absence of anticoagulant prophylaxis

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] in adults has a chronic course and may necessitate splenectomy. The current study was undertaken to study the systemic thromboembolic complications of laparoscopic splenectomy [LS] versus open splenectomy [OS] in patients with ITP at two large referral hospitals. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 49 patients who underwent splenectomy [21 LS and 28 OS] for primary/relapsing refractory ITP between June 1995 and November 2004. Clinically and/or radiologically confirmed deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism [PE] were assessed within 2 weeks before and after splenectomy. None had prophylactic anticoagulants immediately after surgery. Follow up of those who developed complications continued for at least 2 additional years to assess for contributing factors that may have been masked at the time of occurrence. Two [9.5%] LS group had acute PE within 5 days of LS and their platelet count reached 500 +/- 103/ micro L within 4 days and 1000 +/- 103/ micro L within 7 days after surgery. Three conversions to OS occurred; none had VTE. DVT occurred in 3 patients [10.7%] in the OS group; none were life threatening. There were no deaths. Life-threatening venous thromboembolic events are serious complications after LS and OS for ITP patients if prophylactic anticoagulants are not administered. Patients at risk are those who both have an exponential rise of the platelet count, although factors other than the platelet count may be contributing in OS. Postsplenectomy, ITP should be considered as a thrombophilic condition and studies of additional measures to prevent such events are warranted

Experimental splenectomies and malaria in mice / Esplenectomias e malária experimental em camundongos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the importance of spleen in malaric infection in murino model, comparing the parasitemia and the titles of imunoglobulins in the different groups. METHODS: It was used female mice non-isogenic, in inoculated with Plasmodium berghei, cepa ANKA, intraperitoneally. The parasitemia was analyzed in 23rd, 25th, 27th and 32nd day of the experiment, being the stained blood' exam colored by Giemsa. The titles of the total serum immunoglobulins IgM and IgG were analyzed by Dot-ELISA technique, at 6th, 22nd and 32nd day, when the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: The parasitemia was gradual in all the inoculated groups. In the end of the experiment, the animals with partial parasitemia present superior parasitemia, but next to the non-splenectomized, while the asplenics present difference bigger than the double. The levels of total serum IgM and IgG didin´t have significant changes with the removal partial or total splenic. CONCLUSION: The techniques conservatives in splenic trauma are possible and necessary. The importance of remaining spleen in the clearance of red blood cells parasitized by Plasmodium berghei showed being efficient, in order to avoid serious complications resulting of the malaria in mice.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a importância do baço na infecção malárica em modelo murino, comparando a parasitemia e os títulos das imunoglobulinas nos diferentes grupos. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se camundongos fêmeos não isogênicos, inoculados com Plasmodium berghei, cepa ANKA, intraperitoneal. A parasitemia foi analisada no 23°, 25°, 27º e 32° dia do experimento, sendo o exame do esfregaço sangüíneo, corado pelo Giemsa. As titulações das imunoglobulinas totais séricas IgM e IgG foram realizadas pela técnica Dot-ELISA, no 6°, 22° e no 32° dia, quando os animais foram sacrificados. RESULTADOS: A parasitemia foi progressiva em todos os grupos inoculados. Ao final do experimento, os animais com esplenectomia parcial apresentaram parasitemia superior, porém próximos as dos não esplenectomizados, enquanto que os asplênicos apresentaram diferença superior a 100 por cento. Os níveis de IgM e IgG totais séricos não foram alterados significativamente com a remoção parcial ou total esplênica. CONCLUSÃO: As técnicas conservadoras no trauma esplênico são possíveis e necessárias. A importância do remanescente esplênico no clearence das hemácias infectadas pelo Plasmodium berghei demonstrou ser eficiente, de modo a evitar sérias complicações decorrentes da malária em camundongos.

Trombose de veia porta após desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia em pacientes esquistossomóticos: qual a real importância? / Portal vein thrombosis after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy in schistosomal portal hypertension patients: what's the real importance?

CONTEXTO: A complicação mais frequente após a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia em doentes com esquistossomose mansônica hepatoesplênica é a trombose da veia porta. OBJETIVOS:Avaliar a incidência, os fatores preditivos dessa complicação, assim como, a evolução clínica, laboratorial, endoscópica e ultrassonográfica desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 155 doentes esquistossomóticos submetidos a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia. RESULTADOS: Trombose de veia porta foi observada em 52,3 por cento dos pacientes, sendo 6,5 por cento de trombose total e 45,8 por cento de trombose parcial. Os pacientes que evoluíram com trombose de veia porta apresentaram mais frequentemente diarreia no pós-operatório. Febre foi evento habitual que ocorreu em 70 por cento dos casos, mais frequente, entretanto, nos doentes com trombose total da veia porta (100 por cento). Trombose de veia mesentérica superior ocorreu em quatro doentes (2,6 por cento), sendo mais frequente entre os com trombose total da veia porta. Não se encontrou diferença estatística quanto aos parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais, endoscópicos e recidiva hemorrágica no pós-operatório tardio, quando comparados os pacientes com e sem trombose portal. CONCLUSÕES: A trombose de veia porta no pós-operatório da desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia é evento frequente, sem nenhum fator preditivo para sua ocorrência; na maioria dos casos a trombose é parcial e apresenta evolução benigna, com baixa morbidade; trombose total da veia porta está mais frequentemente associada à trombose da veia mesentérica superior, com elevada morbidade; a trombose da veia porta, parcial ou total, não acarretou complicações no período pós-operatório tardio.

CONTEXT: Portal vein thrombosis is the most frequent complication after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy for hepatosplenic schistosomosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate portal vein thrombosis in 155 patients with schistosomal portal hypertension submitted to esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed not only the incidence and predictive factors of this complication, but also clinical, laboratorial, endoscopic and Doppler sonography outcome of these patients. RESULTS: Postoperative portal thrombosis was observed in 52.3 percent of the patients (partial in 45.8 percent and total in 6.5 percent). Postoperative diarrhea was more frequent in patients with portal vein thrombosis. Fever was a frequent postoperative symptom (70 percent) but occurred in a higher percentage when total portal vein thrombosis was present (100 percent). Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis occurred in four patients (2.6 percent) and was associated with total thrombosis of the portal vein. There was no statistical difference between patients with and without portal vein thrombosis according to clinical and endoscopic parameters during late follow-up. It was not possible to identify any predictive factor for the occurrence of this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is an early and frequent event after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy, usually partial with benign outcome and low morbidity. Total portal vein thrombosis is more frequently associated with a high morbidity complication, the superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Long-term survival was not influenced by either partial or total portal thrombosis.

Intrahepatic splenosis mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma in a cirrhotic liver

We report a patient who has a cirrhotic liver secondary to hepatitis C virus infection with a liver lesion incidentally found on routine liver ultrasound. The patient had a history of splenectomy 30 years earlier. The magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] characteristics suggested the diagnosis of intrahepatic splenosis, which is confirmed by core needle biopsy. Knowledge of these imaging findings makes this entity important to be considered in the differential diagnosis of a hepatic tumor in the presence of a history of splenic trauma or surgery

[Splenectomy in hereditary hemolytic anemia: 82 Tunisian cases]

Splenectomy is frequently advised in hereditary hemolytic anemia.Severe complications could occur after splenectomy. To provide the indication and benefit of splenectomy clinical and biological patterns were performed in a retrospective study of 82 patients: 17 homozygous beta thalassemia, 17 thalassemia intermedia, 33 heterozygote HbS I beta thalassemia and 15 hereditary spherocytosis. Splenectomy was performed for: Hypertransfusion in homozygous thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis; hypersplenism in Thalassemia intermedia and splenic sequestration in heterozygote HbS/beta thalassemia.The benefit of splenectomy was proved in hereditary spherocytosis [100%], heterozygote HbS/beta thalassemia [90%] and thalassemia intermedia [75%];nevertheless in homozygous beta thalassemia.Post splenectomical complication are often thrombocytosis, thrombosis and infections. Splenectomy should be performed in hereditary hemolytic anemia to reduce and avoid transfusion

Cases of Opsi syndrome still candidate for medical ICU

Splenectomized patients are likely to suffer from severe infections, such as sepsis and meningitis, which is called overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) syndrome. It seems to be more common in children, but occurs at all ages. The risk is greatest in the early months and years after operation, but never disappears entirely. The course is rapid, the clinical symptoms are serious, and the prognosis is very poor. In this paper, three cases of OPSI syndrome are described, in which infection developed 8, 8 and 15 years after splenectomy; two of the patients died. With the help of these case reports, we want to again emphasize the importance of vaccination, antibiotic prophylaxis and seeking earlier medical attention in splenectomized patients.